Report: Coutinho 'very low' while Barcelona move fails to materialise

Philippe Coutinho is believed to be "very low" because of the lack of progress in Barcelona's pursuit of him, sources told Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol.

Barcelona reaching an agreement to sign Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund for €105 million plus add-ons has also concerned Coutinho, according to Sky's sources, with Neymar's old slot in the front-three now assumed by the 20-year-old Frenchman.

Related: Barcelona reaches agreement to sign Dembele for initial €105M fee

There are also reports in Spain stating that Chelsea's Willian is being eyed as a possible alternative to Coutinho.

It's understood that Coutinho, who continues to be sidelined by Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, wants to move to the Mediterranean coast after having his head turned by three failed bids from Barcelona. Some outlets are anticipating a fourth approach from Ernesto Valverde's lot, but Liverpool and Klopp have made it clear the 25-year-old isn't available at any price.

In Coutinho's stead - he's expected to sit out Sunday's visit from Arsenal - Liverpool's continued defensive issues have been partly concealed by some devastating attacks spearheaded by Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Mohamed Salah.

Emre Can's second goal in Wednesday's 4-2 demolition of Hoffenheim was an example of how the Reds' fluid forward forays are still potent in the absence of Coutinho:

Liverpool began the 2017-18 campaign with a draw in Watford and a 1-0 trumping of Crystal Palace. Sunday's hosting of the Gunners, another defensively vulnerable side, is widely tipped to be a high-scoring affair.